Word Ladder
About Word Ladder
Climb from the first word to the last, changing exactly one letter each rung, and every rung has to be a real word. Par is the shortest ladder that exists between the two. Matching it is the whole game. A new pair every day, the same for everyone.
A word ladder climbs from one five-letter word to another by changing exactly one letter at a time, and every rung has to be a real word. Par is the shortest ladder that exists between the two words, and matching it is the whole game. There is a new pair every day.
Tips
- Look at the goal word first and count how many letters differ. That is the fewest rungs you could possibly need.
- Change the letters that already match the goal last, and aim each rung at a letter of the goal.
- Vowels are the hinge. Swapping a vowel often opens a path that consonants cannot.
- If you hit a dead end, go back a rung or two rather than pushing forward with a longer route.
- Common word endings like -ing and -er are hard to climb out of, so avoid them unless the goal ends that way.
Questions
- Is it free?
- Yes. Word Ladder is free in your browser, with no download and no account needed.
- What is par?
- The length of the shortest possible ladder between the two words. You can finish in more rungs, but matching par is the goal.
- Is it the same puzzle for everyone?
- Yes. A new pair of words appears at midnight, the same for every player, with a leaderboard.
- Can I play older ladders?
- Yes. Past days are in the archive, one tap from the game.
- Is it suitable for children?
- Yes. It is open to kids from six up, and it is good vocabulary and spelling practice.
